By ZOE CANNON
GRATITUDE FOR THE GIFT OF FAITH
“Now, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord, your God, carefully observing all his commandments which I give you today, the Lord, your God, will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overwhelm you when you obey the voice of the Lord, your God: May you be blessed in the city, and blessed in the country!” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
I watched the sun come up one morning, and I could see a symmetrical image shining on the lake water. I snapped a photo and shared the picture with our grandsons during our home-school class. I told them the image reminded me of a smile because a smile seems to reflect back to you when you share one! This sincere gesture always blesses those around you!
Three years ago, when I decided to teach history and religion in my homeschool classroom, I never dreamed there would be challenges with a global pandemic and a possible world war interjected into our discussions. The current events in our world and Church are teachable moments, especially when God is the source of truth in the conversation!
On March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, we began our school day with morning Mass. We planned to watch Pope Francis make an Act of Consecration to Russia and Ukraine, so we read and reviewed the story of the Annunciation, and the power of Mary’s yes to the world. We had recently watched the Fatima movie, so we talked about the struggles the children had with sharing the messages Mary shared with them. We studied a map and talked about the history and the war in 1917. We discussed why Pope Francis was praying the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for Russia now and the sad events of the current war in our world.
“Why are the nations restless and the peoples plotting in vain?” (Psalm 2:1). Children are very astute! Explanations about corruption and sin are pretty black and white in their minds. Why would a leader want to destroy innocent people and property? Why do people reject God’s gift of grace in their life? And what happens when people do bad things and do not repent? Answering these questions is a challenge. It comes down to pride and humility – acceptance or rejection of God. We read in Scripture that a merciful God gives grace to the humble.
We studied the gospel for the fourth Sunday in Lent; the repentance of the Prodigal Son and love from his father. This was an opportunity for a discussion about making choices and seeking forgiveness when we fail. Pride is often the downfall of those who choose to block out God and seek their own path. God from God, light from light, true God from true God. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8).
We will soon enter into the Paschal Triduum – the three days that changed the world! In these holy days, Jesus defines humility for us! His sacrifice on the cross reminds us to seek the interests of others with compassion. Our own humility makes us real, and the world needs a reality check about what is true and honorable. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less” (C. S. Lewis) How can you change the world by thinking of others?
My prayer for all our grandchildren is for them to live in a world with less pride and corruption, and more peace and humility through the mercy of God. Please Lord, let it be so! May we obey the voice of the Lord, so our country may be blessed! Amen!